Volkswagen Amarok V6 diesel 2017 car review

Allowing 4MOTION to come in to play, no matter what surface you’re driving on, is this vehicle’s USP, and it’s all thanks to the Amarok’s ‘Torsen’ torque sensing centre differential, which enables the 8 speed auto versions of the range to be permanent 4WD both on and off road. This delivers the perfect blend of tough, rugged, off-road capability, and a sophisticated look for those ‘suited-up’ town meetings.

According to Volkswagen General Manager Tom Ruddenklau, Torsen provides “significant handling, safety and towing advantages on the road” and, when we tested its towing capabilities, the Amarok certainly excelled.

The V6 TDI diesel engine pumps out 180kw when the over-boost mode is activated which gives it a ten second power boost during full throttle, allowing the Amarok to reach 0-100km per hour in just 7.9 seconds. That’s enough power to allow a building site manager to get around his jobs for the day a whole lot faster!

A host of further enhancements have been designed to seal the deal when it comes to its appearance, passenger comfort and practicality.

New alloy wheels benefit from super huge, vented 4 wheel disc brakes (17” discs on the front, 16” discs at the rear). There are 14-way heated electric ergoComfort front seats in the Aventura and various upholstery options, plus an all-new dashboard. The braked towing capacity has increased to 3,500kg and the full range comes with an Automatic Post-Collision safety system.

The V6 TDI Highline model is priced from $73,990 and the Aventura starts at $82,990. Pricey? New Zealanders didn’t seem to think so. The first four months’ supply sold out before the vehicle even arrived here.

The New V6 Amarok is yet to be safety rated under the ANCAP system.